Topical pharmaceutical compositions for treating skin conditions

ABSTRACT

Topical pharmaceutical compositions for treating a skin condition or disorder are provided. The topical pharmaceutical compositions can be formulated as lotions containing a therapeutically effective amount of an active agent, such as tretinoin, a viscosity increasing agent, and advantageously small amounts of both a polymeric emulsifier and an oil component. The topical compositions of the present invention are tolerated exceptionally well by subjects to whom the compositions are administered.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/108,942, filed Aug. 22, 2018, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/653,392, filed Apr. 5, 2018, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Skin disorders such as acne, dermatitis, and rosacea are common conditions for juveniles and adults. A number of different agents, including retinoids, corticosteroids, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory agents, are prescribed for the treatment of skin disorders. For example, retinoids such as tretinoin are commonly prescribed for the treatment of acne and for reducing or improving fine wrinkling, dark spots, and rough facial skin. However, a known side effect of retinoids is irritation at the site of local application, such as burning, dry skin, erythema, and exfoliation. Likewise, the antibiotic clindamycin, which is prescribed for the treatment of acne, is associated with side effects such as burning or itching skin, dry skin, skin redness, and skin peeling. There remains a need for topical compositions that have reduced adverse effects for the treatment of acne and other skin conditions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, topical pharmaceutical compositions for treating a skin condition or disorder are provided. In some embodiments, a topical pharmaceutical composition (e.g., a lotion) comprises:

-   -   a therapeutically effective amount of an active agent that is         useful for treating the skin condition or disorder;     -   a viscosity increasing agent;     -   a polymeric emulsifier, wherein the polymeric emulsifier is         present in an amount up to about 0.2% (e.g., from about 0.01% to         about 0.095%) by weight of the composition; and     -   an oil component, wherein the oil component is present in an         amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 5% by weight.

In some embodiments, the active agent is a retinoid, a corticosteroid, an antibiotic, or an anti-inflammatory agent. In some embodiments, the active agent is a retinoid. In some embodiments, the retinoid is tretinoin. In some embodiments, the active agent (e.g., a retinoid, a corticosteroid, an antibiotic, or an anti-inflammatory agent) is present in an amount ranging from about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the active agent (e.g., a retinoid, a corticosteroid, an antibiotic, or an anti-inflammatory agent) is present in an amount of about 0.05% by weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the polymeric emulsifier comprises a cross-linked copolymer of acrylic acid and C10-C30 alkyl acrylate. In some embodiments, the polymeric emulsifier is present in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 0.2% (e.g., from about 0.01% to about 0.099%, or from about 0.1% to about 0.095%, or from about 0.01% to about 0.09%) by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the polymeric emulsifier is present in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 0.1% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the polymeric emulsifier is present in an amount of about 0.05% by weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the oil component comprises mineral oil. In some embodiments, the oil component (e.g., mineral oil) is present in an amount up to about 20% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the oil component (e.g., mineral oil) is present in an amount up to about 10% by weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the oil component (e.g., mineral oil) is present in an amount up to about 6% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the oil component (e.g., mineral oil) is present in an amount up to about 5% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the oil component (e.g., mineral oil) is present in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 5% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the oil component (e.g., mineral oil) is present in an amount ranging from about 2% to about 10% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the oil component (e.g., mineral oil) is present in an amount ranging from about 2% to about 4% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the oil component (e.g., mineral oil) is present in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 3% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the oil component (e.g., mineral oil) is present in an amount of about 2% by weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the viscosity increasing agent comprises a cross-linked homopolymer of an acrylic acid. In some embodiments, the viscosity increasing agent is present in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 2% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the viscosity increasing agent is present in an amount ranging from about 0.2% to about 1% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the viscosity increasing agent is present in an amount ranging from about 0.4% to about 1% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the viscosity increasing agent is present in an amount ranging from about 0.6% to about 1% by weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition further comprises one or more additional components. In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition further comprises one or more preservatives, one or more moisturizing agents, one or more antioxidants, and/or one or more humectants. In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition further comprises a neutralizing agent that maintains the pH of the composition at a pH from about 5 to about 7. In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition further comprises a neutralizing agent that maintains the pH of the composition at a pH from about 5 to about 6.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition comprises:

-   -   tretinoin in an amount ranging from about 0.001% to about 1% by         weight of the composition;     -   a viscosity increasing agent in an amount ranging from about         0.6% to about 1% by weight of the composition;     -   a polymeric emulsifier in an amount ranging from about 0.04% to         about 0.06% by weight of the composition;     -   mineral oil in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 5% by         weight of the composition;     -   one or more humectants, moisturizing agents, antioxidants,         preservatives, wetting agents, and/or neutralizing agents; and     -   water.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition has a viscosity from about 2,500 cP to about 18,000 cP. In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition has a viscosity from about 8,000 cP to about 12,000 cP. In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition has a viscosity of less than about 15,000 cP. In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition has a viscosity of at least about 2,500 cP.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition (e.g., a lotion) comprises:

-   -   tretinoin in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 1% by         weight of the composition;     -   a polymeric emulsifier, wherein the polymeric emulsifier         comprises a cross-linked copolymer of acrylic acid and C10-C30         alkyl acrylate and wherein the polymeric emulsifier is present         in an amount ranging from to about 0.01% to about 0.2% (e.g.,         from about 0.01% to about 0.095%) by weight of the composition;     -   a viscosity increasing agent, wherein the viscosity increasing         agent comprises a cross-linked homopolymer of an acrylic acid;         and     -   an oil component. In some embodiments, the oil component is         present in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 5% by         weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition comprises tretinoin in an amount of about 0.05% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the polymeric emulsifier is a carbomer copolymer type B. In some embodiments, the polymeric emulsifier is present in an amount ranging from about 0.04% to about 0.06% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the oil component comprises mineral oil. In some embodiments, the oil component is present in an amount up to about 5% by weight of the composition, e.g., in an amount ranging from about 2% to about 4% by weight of the composition, or from about 1% to about 3% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the viscosity increasing agent is a carbomer homopolymer type A. In some embodiments, the viscosity increasing agent is present in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 2% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the viscosity increasing agent is present in an amount ranging from about 0.6% to about 1% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition further comprises one or more preservatives, moisturizing agents, antioxidants, and/or humectants. In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition further comprises a neutralizing agent that maintains the pH of the composition at a pH from about 5 to about 6.

In some embodiments, a topical pharmaceutical composition (e.g., a lotion) for treating a skin condition or disorder comprises:

-   -   tretinoin an amount of about 0.05% by weight of the composition;     -   a carbomer copolymer type B in an amount ranging from about         0.04% to about 0.06% by weight of the composition;     -   a carbomer homopolymer type A in an amount ranging from about         0.2% to about 1% by weight of the composition;     -   mineral oil in an amount ranging from about 2% to about 4% by         weight of the composition;     -   one or more preservatives, moisturizing agents, antioxidants,         humectants, wetting agents, and/or neutralizing agents; and     -   water.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more moisturizing agents in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 20% by weight of the composition, wherein the moisturizing agents are sodium hyaluronate, soluble collagen, or a combination thereof; a humectant in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 20% by weight of the composition, wherein the humectant is glycerin; an antioxidant in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 2% by weight of the composition, wherein the antioxidant is butylated hydroxytoluene; a wetting agent in an amount ranging from about 0.05% to about 0.5% by weight of the composition, wherein the wetting agent is octoxynol-9; optionally, one or more preservatives in an amount ranging from about 0.25% to about 5% by weight of the composition, wherein the preservatives are benzyl alcohol, methyl paraben, or a combination thereof; and optionally, a neutralizing agent, wherein the neutralizing agent is trolamine.

In another aspect, kits are provided. In some embodiments, the kit comprises a topical pharmaceutical composition as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the kit further comprises instructions for use, e.g., according to a method as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the kit is for use in treating a skin condition or disorder as disclosed herein, e.g., acne vulgaris.

In yet another aspect, methods for treating a skin condition or disorder are provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises administering a topical pharmaceutical composition as disclosed herein to a subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the skin condition or disorder is acne vulgaris. In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition is applied once daily to an affected area of skin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION I. Introduction

Disclosed herein are pharmaceutical compositions, kits, and methods for the treatment of acne and other skin conditions or disorders. As disclosed herein, it has been surprisingly found that an active agent, tretinoin, could be formulated as a lotion with a low concentration of a polymeric emulsifier and a low concentration of mineral oil, and that the resulting lotion had a light, elegant feel. It was also surprisingly found that the resulting lotion exhibited a marked improvement in the tolerability profile of the tretinoin composition, as compared to the tolerability profile of commercially available tretinoin having the same amount of active ingredient but formulated as a gel. Thus, in one aspect, the topical pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein provide unexpectedly improved properties, as compared to commercially available products, when used in the treatment of skin conditions.

II. Definitions

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “about” and “approximately,” when used to modify an amount specified in a numeric value or range, indicate that the numeric value as well as reasonable deviations from the value known to the skilled person in the art, for example, ±20%, ±10%, or ±5%, or ±2.5%, or ±1%, or ±0.5%, are within the intended meaning of the recited value.

The terms “subject,” “individual,” and “patient,” as used interchangeably herein, refer to a mammal, including but not limited to humans, non-human primates, rodents (e.g., rats, mice, and guinea pigs), rabbits, dogs, cows, pigs, horses, and other mammalian species. In some embodiment, a subject, individual, or patient is a human.

As used herein, the terms “treat” and “treatment” refer to any indicia of success in the treatment or amelioration of an injury, disease, or condition (e.g., acne or another skin condition), including any objective or subjective parameter such as abatement, remission, diminishing of symptoms or making the injury, disease, or condition more tolerable to the patient, slowing in the rate of degeneration or decline, or improving a patient's physical or mental well-being. The effect of treatment can be compared to an individual or pool of individuals not receiving the treatment, or to the same patient prior to treatment or at a different time during treatment.

As used herein, the term “therapeutically effective amount” refers to an amount of an agent (e.g., a retinoid) that treats, alleviates, abates, or reduces the severity of symptoms of a condition, such as acne, in a subject. In some embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount of an agent (e.g., a retinoid) diminishes symptoms, makes an injury, disease, or condition (e.g., a skin disorder) more tolerable, slows the rate of degeneration or decline, improves patient survival, increases survival time or rate, or improves a patient's physical or mental well-being.

As used herein, the term “administer” refers to delivering an agent or compositions to the desired site of biological action. In some embodiments, a composition as disclosed herein is administered topically (e.g., by applying a thin film of a lotion formulation to the affected area, such as the face, back, neck or shoulders of a subject with acne).

III. Topical Pharmaceutical Compositions

In one aspect, topical pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of a skin condition or disorder are provided. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises: a therapeutically effective amount of an active agent that is useful for treating the skin condition or disorder (such as, but not limited to, a retinoid, a corticosteroid, an antibiotic, or an anti-inflammatory agent); a viscosity increasing agent; a polymeric emulsifier; and an oil component. In some embodiments, the composition is formulated as a lotion (e.g., an oil-in-water emulsion or a water-in-oil emulsion). In some embodiments, the composition is formulated as a cream.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition has a viscosity from about 2,500 cP to about 18,000 cP. In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition has a viscosity of less than about 15,000 cP. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition has a viscosity from about 8,000 cP to about 12,000 cP, e.g., a viscosity from about 9,000 cP to about 11,000 cP. In some embodiments, viscosity is measured at 22-25° C., using a viscometer, e.g., a Brookfield rotational viscometer using spindle 27 and a speed of 12 rpm.

Active Agents

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure comprise one or more active agents that are known to be useful for treating a skin condition or disorder. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises an active agent selected from the group consisting of a retinoid, a corticosteroid, an antibiotic, and an anti-inflammatory agent.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition comprises a retinoid. The term “retinoid,” as used herein, refers to a compound that is a retinol (Vitamin A) or an analog or derivative thereof. A retinoid may be naturally occurring or synthetic. Examples of retinoids include, but are not limited to, retinol, retinal, tretinoin, isotretinoin, alitretinoin, etretinate, acitretin, adapalene, bexarotene, and tazarotene. In some embodiments, the retinoid is in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, isomer, enantiomer, active metabolite, or prodrug. Retinoids are described in the art. See, e.g., Khalil et al., Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017, 28:684-696.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition comprises tretinoin. The term “tretinoin,” as used herein, refers to all-trans-retinoic acid, also known in the art as (all-E)-3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-2,4,6,8-nonatetraenoic acid. Tretinoin has the following chemical structure:

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition comprises a retinoid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a first-generation retinoid, e.g., retinol, retinal, tretinoin, isotretinoin, or alitretinoin. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a second-generation retinoid, e.g., etretinate or its metabolite acetretin. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a third-generation retinoid, e.g., adapalene, bexarotene, or tazarotene.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition comprises a corticosteroid. The term “corticosteroid,” as used herein, refers to a steroid hormone that is produced by the adrenal cortex or a synthetic analog or derivative thereof. Corticosteroids are categorized into seven classes according to their potency as determined based on their vasoconstrictive activity (e.g., as measured in a VasoConstrictor Assay (VCA). The VCA test is known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,300,669. In some embodiments, the corticosteroid is a Class 1 corticosteroid (“Superpotent Corticosteroid”), a Class 2 corticosteroid (“Potent Corticosteroid”), or a Class 3 corticosteroid (“Upper Mid-Strength Corticosteroid”). In some embodiments, the corticosteroid is clobetasol, halobetasol, betamethasone, fluocinonide, diflorasone, desoximetasone, mometasone, flurandrenolide, halcinonide, amcinonide, budesonide, desonide, beclomethasone, triamcinolone, fluticasone, hydrocortisone, or fluocinolone. In some embodiments, the corticosteroid is selected from the group consisting of clobetasol propionate, halobetabol propionate, betamethasone dipropionate, betamethasone valerate, fluocinonide, diflorasone diacetate, desoximetasone, mometasone furoate, flurandrenolide, halcinonide, amcinonide, budesonide, desonide, beclomethasone, fluticasone propionate, hydrocortisone butyrate, hydrocortisone valerate, fluocinolone acetonide, and triamcinolone acetonide.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition comprises an antibiotic. As used herein, an “antibiotic” is an agent that inhibits the growth of an unwanted microorganism. Examples of antibiotics include, but are not limited to, clindamycin, erythromycin, natamycin, neomycin, mupirocin, fusidic acid, minocycline, dapsone, and tetracycline, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, or prodrug thereof. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is clindamycin, e.g., clindamycin phosphate.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition comprises an anti-inflammatory agent. As used herein, an “anti-inflammatory agent” is a compound that suppresses a topical inflammatory response. In some embodiments, the anti-inflammatory agent is an imidazole compound that suppresses a topical inflammatory response, such as but not limited to metronidazole. In some embodiments, the anti-inflammatory agent is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) that suppresses the inflammatory response when topically applied by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis or by other mechanisms of action. Examples of topical NSAIDs include, but are not limited to, ibuprofen, indomethacin, diclofenac, and naproxen and their salts.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition comprises an active agent (e.g., a corticosteroid, an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory agent, or a retinoid, e.g., tretinoin) in a therapeutically effective amount. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises an active agent (e.g., a corticosteroid, an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory agent, or a retinoid, e.g., tretinoin) in an amount ranging from about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the composition, e.g., in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 1%, from about 0.01% to about 0.5%, from about 0.01% to about 0.1%, from about 0.01% to about 0.06%, from about 0.02% to about 0.06%, from about 0.01% to about 0.05%, from about 0.05% to about 1%, from about 0.05% to about 0.5%, from about 0.05% to about 0.1%, from about 0.1% to about 1%, from about 0.1% to about 0.75%, or from about 0.1% to about 0.5% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises an active agent (e.g., a corticosteroid, an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory agent, or a retinoid, e.g., tretinoin) in an amount up to about 1% by weight of the composition, e.g., up to about 0.75% or up to about 0.5%, or up to about 0.1%, or up to about 0.06%, or up to about 0.05% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a retinoid (e.g., tretinoin) in an amount that is less than about 1% by weight of the composition, e.g., less than 0.75%, or less than 0.5%, or less than 0.1%, or less than 0.06%, or less than 0.05% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises an active agent (e.g., a corticosteroid, an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory agent, or a retinoid, e.g., tretinoin) in an amount of about 0.001%, about 0.005%, about 0.01%, about 0.05%, about 0.1%, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5%, about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.75%, about 0.8%, about 0.9%, or about 1% by weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition comprises tretinoin as the active agent. In some embodiments, the tretinoin is present in an amount ranging from about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the composition, e.g., in an amount of 0.05% by weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the active agent (e.g., a corticosteroid, an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory agent, or a retinoid, e.g., tretinoin) is suspended in the composition. In some embodiments, the active agent (e.g., a corticosteroid, an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory agent, or a retinoid, e.g., tretinoin) is solubilized (e.g., partially solubilized or fully solubilized) in the composition.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition comprises two or more active agents. For example, in some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a retinoid (e.g., tretinoin) and an antimicrobial or an antibiotic (e.g., clindamycin). In some embodiments, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises two or more active agents, each active agent is present in an amount ranging from about 0.001% to about 1% by weight of the composition, e.g., from about 0.01% to about 1%, from about 0.01% to about 0.5%, from about 0.01% to about 0.1%, from about 0.01% to about 0.06%, from about 0.01% to about 0.1%, from about 0.01% to about 0.05%, from about 0.05% to about 1%, from about 0.05% to about 0.5%, from about 0.05% to about 0.1%, from about 0.1% to about 1%, from about 0.1% to about 0.75%, or from about 0.1% to about 0.5% by weight of the composition.

Viscosity Increasing Agents

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more viscosity-increasing agents. As used herein, a “viscosity increasing agent” refers to a compound or agent that increases the thickness of the aqueous component of the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, the viscosity increasing agent comprises a cross-linked homopolymer of an acrylic acid. In some embodiments, the viscosity increasing agent comprises one or more of a carbomer homopolymer type A, carbomer homopolymer type B, or carbomer homopolymer type C. Carbomer homopolymers are commercially available, e.g., Carbopol® 981, Carbopol® 980, Carbopol® 71G, Carbopol® 971P, Carbopol® 974P, and Carbopol® 5984. In some embodiments, the viscosity increasing agent comprises Carbopol® 981.

In some embodiments, the carbomer homopolymer type A (e.g., Carbopol® 981) exhibits a viscosity ranging from about 4,000 to about 11,000 cPs; 0.5% at pH 7.5. In some embodiments, the carbomer homopolymer type B (e.g., Carbopol® 974P) exhibits a viscosity ranging from about 25,000 to about 45,000 cPs (e.g., 29,400-39,400 cPs); 0.5% at pH 7.5. In some embodiments, the carbomer homopolymer type C (e.g., Carbopol® 980) exhibits a viscosity ranging from 40,000-60,000 cPs; 0.5% at pH 7.5. Viscosity values can be determined according to known methods, including those described in the carbomer homopolymer monograph in USP 29-NF 24, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the viscosity increasing agent comprises acacia, alginic acid, bentonite, carboxymethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, gelatin, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium aluminum silicate, methylcellulose, pectin, poloxamers, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium alginate, tragacanth, or xanthan gum. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a cross-linked homopolymer of an acrylic acid (e.g., a Carbopol® carbomer homopolymer) and further comprises at least one additional viscosity increasing agent selected from the group consisting of acacia, alginic acid, bentonite, carboxymethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, gelatin, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium aluminum silicate, methylcellulose, pectin, poloxamers, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium alginate, tragacanth, and xanthan gum.

Some viscosity increasing agents can also aid in the formation of emulsion. In some embodiments, the viscosity increasing agent acts as a secondary emulsifier when a polymeric emulsifier is used in the composition.

In some embodiments, the viscosity increasing agent(s) is present in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 2% by weight of the composition, or from about 0.2% to about 1% by weight of the composition, or from about 0.4% to about 1% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the viscosity increasing agent is present in an amount of about 0.5%, about 0.55%, about 0.6%, about 0.65%, about 0.7%, about 0.75%, about 0.8%, about 0.85%, about 0.9%, about 0.95%, or about 1% by weight of the composition.

Polymeric Emulsifiers

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition comprises a polymeric emulsifier. As used herein, a “polymeric emulsifier” refers to a predominantly high molecular weight copolymer of acrylic acid and alkyl acrylate. Typically, the copolymer is cross-linked. In some embodiments, the copolymer is cross-linked with allyl pentaerythritol. In some embodiments, the polymeric emulsifier comprises a copolymer of acrylic acid and C10-C30 alkyl acrylate cross-linked with allyl pentaerythritol. Polymeric emulsifiers are commercially available, e.g., Pemulen™ TR-1 and Pemulen™ TR-2. In some embodiments, the polymeric emulsifier comprises Pemulen™ TR-1 and/or TR-2. Other suitable polymeric emulsifiers are copolymers of acrylic acid and alkylmethacrylate, cross-linked with allyl ethers of pentaerythritol.

In some embodiments, the polymeric emulsifier comprises a carbomer copolymer type B. In some embodiments, the carbomer homopolymer type B (e.g., Pemulen™ TR-1) exhibits a viscosity ranging from about 10,000 to about 26,500 cPs; 1.0% at pH 7.5. Viscosity values can be determined according to known methods, including those described in the carbomer copolymer monograph in USP 25-NF 20, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The topical pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure comprise a polymeric emulsifier in a low amount. In some embodiments, the polymeric emulsifier is present in an amount ranging from about 0.01% by weight of the composition up to about 0.2% by weight of the composition, or up to about 0.1% by weight of the composition, or up to about 0.095% by weight of the composition, or up to about 0.09% by weight of the composition, or up to about 0.07% by weight of the composition, or up to about 0.06% by weight of the composition, or up to about 0.05% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the polymeric emulsifier is present in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 0.2% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the polymeric emulsifier is present in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 0.1% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the polymeric emulsifier is present in an amount ranging from about 0.02% to about 0.1% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the polymeric emulsifier is present in an amount ranging from about 0.02% to about 0.08% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the polymeric emulsifier is present in an amount ranging from about 0.02% to about 0.06% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the polymeric emulsifier is present in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to about 0.06% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the polymeric emulsifier is present in an amount ranging from about 0.04% to about 0.06% by weight of the composition, e.g., from about 0.04% to about 0.05%. In some embodiments, the polymeric emulsifier is present in an amount of about 0.05% by weight of the composition.

Oil Component

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition comprises an oil component. Examples of oils include, but are not limited to mineral oil; light mineral oil; petrolatum; fatty alcohols such as stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, and isostearyl alcohol; monocarboxylic acid esters such as isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, and benzyl benzoate; dicarboxylic acid esters such as diethyl sebacate, diisopropyl adipate, and dibutyl sebecate; and medium- or long-chain triglycerides. In some embodiments, the oil component comprises mineral oil, or a mixture of mineral oil and diethyl sebacate. In some embodiments, the oil component is a liquid oil.

In some embodiments, the oil component of a topical pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure is present in an amount of about 20% or less (such as 0.1-20%, or 0.5-20%), by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the oil component (e.g., mineral oil) is present in an amount up to about 10% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the oil component (e.g., mineral oil) is present in an amount up to about 7.5% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the oil component is present in an amount up to about 5% by weight of the composition, e.g., up to about 4.5%, up to about 4%, up to about 3.5%, up to about 3%, or up to about 2.5%. The amount of the oil component can range from about 1.5% to about 2.5%, or from about 1% to about 3%, or from about 0.5% to about 3.5%, or from about 0.25% to about 4%, or from about 0.1% to about 5%, or from about 0.05% to about 5.5% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the oil component is present in an amount ranging from about 2% to about 4% by weight of the composition, e.g., about 2%, about 2.5%, about 3%, about 3.5%, or about 4% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the oil component is present in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 5% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the oil component is present in an amount ranging from about 1.5% to about 4% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the oil component is present in an amount ranging from about 2% to about 4% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the oil component is present in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 3% by weight of the composition.

The ratio of the amount of oil to the total amount of viscosity agents and polymeric emulsifiers can be in the range from about 1.5:1 to about 20:1, or from about 2:1 to about 15:1, or from about 2:1 to about 10:1, or from about 2:1 to about 7.5:1, or from about 2:1 to about 5:1, or from about 2:1 to about 3:1.

Additional Components

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition further comprises one or more additional components. For example, in some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more humectants, moisturizing agents, antioxidants, preservatives, wetting agents, and/or neutralizing agents.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more moisturizing agents. Examples of suitable moisturizing agents include, but are not limited to, collagen, elastin, keratin, sodium hyaluronate, cholesterol, squalene, fatty acids, and fatty alcohols. In some embodiments, the moisturizing agent is a non-occlusive (e.g., non-oil) moisturizer. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises soluble collagen and sodium hyaluronate as moisturizing agents. In some embodiments, the one or more moisturizing agents are present in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 20% by weight of the composition, e.g., from about 5% to about 15%, or from about 5% to about 10% by weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more humectants. Examples of suitable humectants include, but are not limited to, glycerin, sorbitol, xylitol, urea, ethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and propylene glycol. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises glycerin as a humectant. In some embodiments, the one or more humectants are present in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 20% by weight of the composition, e.g., from about 5% to about 15%, from about 7% to about 15%, or from about 7% to about 10% by weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more preservatives. Examples of suitable preservatives include, but are not limited to, methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, butyl paraben, benzyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, steryl alcohol, benzoic acid, sorbic acid, and quaternary ammonium compounds. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises methyl paraben, propyl paraben, benzyl alcohol, or a combination thereof as the preservative(s). In some embodiments, the one or more preservatives are present in an amount ranging from about 0.25% to about 5% by weight of the composition, e.g., from about 0.5% to about 3%, from about 0.5% to about 1.5%, or from about 0.25% to about 1% by weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more antioxidants. Examples of suitable antioxidants include, but are not limited to, alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, butylhydoxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydoxytoluene (BHT), monothioglycerol, potassium metabisulfite, sodium ascorbate, sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, and sodium sulfite. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises BHT as an antioxidant. In some embodiments, the one or more antioxidants are present in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 2% by weight of the composition, e.g., from about 0.15% to about 1%, from about 0.2% to about 1%, or from about 0.2% to about 0.6% by weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more wetting agents. In some embodiments, the wetting agent is included for aiding in the dispersal or suspension of the active agent in an aqueous carrier. In some embodiments, the wetting agent is a surfactant, e.g., a non-ionic surfactant. Examples of suitable wetting agents include, but are not limited to, octoxynol-9, nonoxynol-9, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 40, polysorbate 60, polysorbate 80, sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monostearate, and sorbitan trioleate. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises octoxynol-9 as a wetting agent. In some embodiments, the wetting agent is present in an amount ranging from about 0.05% to about 0.5% by weight of the composition, or from about 0.1% to about 0.5% by weight of the composition, or from about 0.05% to about 0.4% by weight of the composition, or from about 0.1% to about 0.4% by weight of the composition, or from about 0.1% to about 0.3% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a non-ionic or anionic surfactant in an amount greater than 0.05% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises a non-ionic or anionic surfactant in an amount greater than 0.1% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition does not comprise a non-ionic surfactant. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition does not comprise an anionic surfactant.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition comprises a neutralizing agent. In some embodiments, the neutralizing agent maintains the pH of the pharmaceutical composition at a pH from about 5-6. Suitable neutralizing agents include, but are not limited to, trolamine (triethanolamine), sodium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises trolamine as a neutralizing agent.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition is an aqueous composition comprising water, e.g., purified water. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least 50% water by weight of the composition, e.g., at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, or at least 90% water by weight of the composition.

In some embodiments, a topical pharmaceutical composition (e.g., a lotion) for treating a skin condition or disorder comprises:

-   -   an active agent that is useful for treating the skin condition         or disorder in an amount ranging from about 0.001% to about 1%         by weight of the composition;     -   a viscosity increasing agent in an amount ranging from about         0.2% to about 1% by weight of the composition;     -   a polymeric emulsifier in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to         about 1% by weight of the composition (e.g., from about 0.01% to         about 0.099%, or from about 0.1% to about 0.095, or from about         0.01% to about 0.09%);     -   an oil component in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 4%         by weight of the composition;     -   one or more moisturizing agents in an amount ranging from about         5% to about 20% by weight of the composition;     -   one or more humectants in an amount ranging from about 5% to         about 20% by weight of the composition;     -   one or more preservatives in an amount ranging from about 0.25%         to about 5% by weight of the composition;     -   one or more antioxidants in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to         about 2% by weight of the composition;     -   one or more wetting agents in an amount ranging from about 0.05%         to about 0.5% by weight of the composition;     -   a neutralizing agent; and     -   water.

In some embodiments, the active agent is a retinoid, e.g., retinol, retinal, tretinoin, isotretinoin, alitretinoin, etretinate, acitretin, adapalene, bexarotene, or tazarotene. In some embodiments, the active agent is a corticosteroid, e.g., clobetasol, halobetasol, betamethasone, fluocinonide, diflorasone, desoximetasone, mometasone, flurandrenolide, halcinonide, amcinonide, budesonide, desonide, beclomethasone, triamcinolone, fluticasone, hydrocortisone, or fluocinolone. In some embodiments, the active agent is an antibiotic, e.g., clindamycin, erythromycin, natamycin, neomycin, mupirocin, fusidic acid, minocycline, dapsone, or tetracycline. In some embodiments, the active agent is an anti-inflammatory agent, e.g., metronidazole, ibuprofen, indomethacin, diclofenac, or naproxen.

In some embodiments, a topical pharmaceutical composition (e.g., a lotion) for treating a skin condition or disorder comprises:

-   -   tretinoin an amount ranging from about 0.001% to about 1% by         weight of the composition;     -   a viscosity increasing agent in an amount ranging from about         0.2% to about 1% (e.g., from about 0.6% to about 1%) by weight         of the composition, wherein the viscosity increasing agent is         carbomer homopolymer type A (one such carbomer homopolymer is         known by the trade name Carbopol® 981);     -   a polymeric emulsifier in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to         about 1% (e.g., from about 0.04% to about 0.06%) by weight of         the composition, wherein the polymeric emulsifier is a carbomer         copolymer type B (one such carbomer copolymer is known by the         trade name Pemulen® TR-1);     -   an oil component in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 5%         (e.g., from about 2% to about 4%, or from about 1% to about 3%)         by weight of the composition, wherein the oil component is a         mineral oil;     -   one or more moisturizing agents in an amount ranging from about         5% to about 20% by weight of the composition, wherein the         moisturizing agents are sodium hyaluronate, soluble collagen, or         a combination thereof;     -   a humectant in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 20% by         weight of the composition, wherein the humectant is glycerin;     -   one or more preservatives in an amount ranging from about 0.25%         to about 5% by weight of the composition, wherein the         preservatives are benzyl alcohol, methyl paraben, or a         combination thereof;     -   an antioxidant in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 2%         by weight of the composition, wherein the antioxidant is         butylated hydroxytoluene;     -   a wetting agent in an amount ranging from about 0.05% to about         0.5% by weight of the composition, wherein the wetting agent is         octoxynol-9;     -   a neutralizing agent, wherein the neutralizing agent is         trolamine; and     -   water.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition consists essentially of a therapeutically effective amount of an active agent that is useful for treating the skin condition or disorder (such as, but not limited to, a retinoid, a corticosteroid, an antibiotic, or an anti-inflammatory agent); a viscosity increasing agent; a polymeric emulsifier; an oil component; water; and one or more humectants, moisturizing agents, antioxidants, preservatives, wetting agents, and/or neutralizing agents. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition consists essentially of a retinoid, a corticosteroid, an antibiotic, or an anti-inflammatory agent in an amount ranging from 0.001% to 1% by weight of the composition; a viscosity increasing agent; a polymeric emulsifier; an oil component; water; a humectant; a moisturizing agent; an antioxidant; a preservative; a wetting agent; and a neutralizing agent.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition consists of a therapeutically effective amount of an active agent that is useful for treating the skin condition or disorder (such as, but not limited to, a retinoid, a corticosteroid, an antibiotic, or an anti-inflammatory agent); a viscosity increasing agent; a polymeric emulsifier; an oil component; water; and one or more humectants, moisturizing agents, antioxidants, preservatives, wetting agents, and/or neutralizing agents. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition consists of a retinoid, a corticosteroid, an antibiotic, or an anti-inflammatory agent in an amount ranging from 0.001% to 1% by weight of the composition; a viscosity increasing agent; a polymeric emulsifier; an oil component; water; a humectant; a moisturizing agent; an antioxidant; a preservative; a wetting agent; and a neutralizing agent.

In some embodiments, a topical pharmaceutical composition (e.g., a lotion) for treating a skin condition or disorder consists essentially of:

-   -   an active agent that is useful for treating the skin condition         or disorder in an amount ranging from about 0.001% to about 1%         by weight of the composition, wherein the active agent is a         retinoid, a corticosteroid, an antibiotic, or an         anti-inflammatory agent;     -   a viscosity increasing agent in an amount ranging from about         0.2% to about 1% (e.g., from about 0.6% to about 1%) by weight         of the composition;     -   a polymeric emulsifier in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to         about 1% (e.g., from about 0.01% to about 0.099%, or from about         0.1% to about 0.095, or from about 0.01% to about 0.09%, or from         about 0.04% to about 0.06%) by weight of the composition;     -   an oil component in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 5%         (e.g., from about 2% to about 4%, or from about 1% to about 3%)         by weight of the composition;     -   one or more moisturizing agents in an amount ranging from about         5% to about 20% by weight of the composition;     -   one or more humectants in an amount ranging from about 5% to         about 20% by weight of the composition;     -   one or more preservatives in an amount ranging from about 0.25%         to about 5% by weight of the composition;     -   one or more antioxidants in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to         about 2% by weight of the composition;     -   one or more wetting agents in an amount ranging from about 0.05%         to about 0.5% by weight of the composition;     -   a neutralizing agent; and     -   water.

In some embodiments, a topical pharmaceutical composition (e.g., a lotion) for treating a skin condition or disorder consists essentially of:

-   -   tretinoin an amount ranging from about 0.001% to about 1% by         weight of the composition;     -   a viscosity increasing agent in an amount ranging from about         0.2% to about 1% (e.g., from about 0.6% to about 1%) by weight         of the composition, wherein the viscosity increasing agent is         carbomer homopolymer type A (one such carbomer homopolymer is         known by the trade name Carbopol® 981);     -   a polymeric emulsifier in an amount ranging from about 0.01% to         about 0.1% (e.g., from about 0.01% to about 0.099%, or from         about 0.1% to about 0.095, or from about 0.01% to about 0.09%,         or from about 0.04% to about 0.06%) by weight of the         composition, wherein the polymeric emulsifier is a carbomer         copolymer type B (one such carbomer copolymer is known by the         trade name Pemulen® TR-1);     -   an oil component in an amount ranging from about 1% to about 5%         (e.g., from about 2% to about 4%, or from about 1% to about 3%)         by weight of the composition, wherein the oil component is a         mineral oil;     -   one or more moisturizing agents in an amount ranging from about         5% to about 20% by weight of the composition, wherein the         moisturizing agents are sodium hyaluronate, soluble collagen, or         a combination thereof;     -   a humectant in an amount ranging from about 5% to about 20% by         weight of the composition, wherein the humectant is glycerin;     -   one or more preservatives in an amount ranging from about 0.25%         to about 5% by weight of the composition, wherein the         preservatives are benzyl alcohol, methyl paraben, or a         combination thereof;     -   an antioxidant in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 2%         by weight of the composition, wherein the antioxidant is         butylated hydroxytoluene;     -   a wetting agent in an amount ranging from about 0.05% to about         0.5% by weight of the composition, wherein the wetting agent is         octoxynol-9;     -   a neutralizing agent, wherein the neutralizing agent is         trolamine; and     -   water.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition consists essentially of: tretinoin, benzyl alcohol, butylated hydroxytoluene, carbomer copolymer type B (e.g., Pemulen® TR-1), carbomer homopolymer type A (e.g., Carbopol® 981), glycerin, mineral oil, octoxynol-9, purified water, sodium hyaluronate, soluble collagen, and optionally, a neutralizing agent and/or a preservative. In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition consists essentially of: tretinoin, benzyl alcohol, butylated hydroxytoluene, carbomer copolymer type B (e.g., Pemulen® TR-1), carbomer homopolymer type A (e.g., Carbopol® 981), glycerin, mineral oil, nitrogen, octoxynol-9, purified water, sodium hyaluronate, soluble collagen, and optionally, a neutralizing agent and/or a preservative. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition consists essentially of: tretinoin in an amount of 0.05% by weight of the composition, benzyl alcohol, butylated hydroxytoluene, carbomer copolymer type B (e.g., Pemulen® TR-1), carbomer homopolymer type A (e.g., Carbopol® 981), glycerin, mineral oil, nitrogen, octoxynol-9, purified water, sodium hyaluronate, soluble collagen, and optionally, a neutralizing agent (such as trolamine) and/or a preservative (such as methylparaben).

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition consists of: tretinoin, benzyl alcohol, butylated hydroxytoluene, carbomer copolymer type B (e.g., Pemulen® TR-1), carbomer homopolymer type A (e.g., Carbopol® 981), glycerin, mineral oil, octoxynol-9, purified water, sodium hyaluronate, soluble collagen, and optionally, a neutralizing agent and/or a preservative. In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition consists of: tretinoin, benzyl alcohol, butylated hydroxytoluene, carbomer copolymer type B (e.g., Pemulen® TR-1), carbomer homopolymer type A (e.g., Carbopol® 981), glycerin, mineral oil, nitrogen, octoxynol-9, purified water, sodium hyaluronate, soluble collagen, and optionally, a neutralizing agent and/or a preservative. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition consists of: tretinoin in an amount of 0.05% by weight of the composition, benzyl alcohol, butylated hydroxytoluene, carbomer copolymer type B (e.g., Pemulen® TR-1), carbomer homopolymer type A (e.g., Carbopol® 981), glycerin, mineral oil, nitrogen, octoxynol-9, purified water, sodium hyaluronate, soluble collagen, and optionally, a neutralizing agent (such as trolamine) and/or a preservative (such as methylparaben).

IV. Methods of Treating Skin Conditions

In another aspect, methods for the treatment of a skin condition or disorder are provided. In some embodiments, the skin condition or disorder is acne (e.g., acne vulgaris); psoriasis (e.g., plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis, nail psoriasis, or psoriatic arthritis); dermatitis such as atopic, contact, or hand dermatitis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, rash, or poison ivy dermatitis; rosacea; or skin lesions. In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition (e.g., a composition comprising a corticosteroid, an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory agent, or a retinoid) is used for the treatment of acne. In some embodiments, a topical pharmaceutical composition comprising a retinoid (e.g., tretinoin) is used for the treatment of acne, e.g., acne vulgaris. In some embodiments, a topical pharmaceutical composition comprising a retinoid (e.g., tretinoin) is used for the treatment of facial acne vulgaris, e.g., facial acne vulgaris of mild to moderate severity.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition (e.g., a composition comprising a corticosteroid, an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory agent, or a retinoid) is used cosmetically, e.g., for reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, fine wrinkling, blotches, hyperpigmentation, skin roughness, or for the improvement of skin tone. In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition comprises a retinoid, e.g., retinol, retinal, tretinoin, isotretinoin, alitretinoin, etretinate, acitretin, adapalene, bexarotene, or tazarotene.

In some embodiments, a topical pharmaceutical composition as disclosed herein (e.g., a composition comprising a corticosteroid, an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory agent, or a retinoid) is administered to a subject in need thereof for at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 days or longer, e.g., for at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 weeks or longer. In some embodiments, a topical pharmaceutical composition as disclosed herein is administered to a subject in need thereof for a period of 1-30 days, e.g., 7-30 days, 7-28 days, 7-21 days, 7-14 days, 10-30 days, 14-30 days, or 14-28 days. In some embodiments, a topical pharmaceutical composition as disclosed herein is administered to a subject in need thereof for a period of 1-30 weeks or longer, e.g., 1-20, 1-10, 1-8, 2-20, 2-15, 2-12, 2-10, 2-8, 4-30, 4-20, 4-12, 4-8, 6-30, 6-20, 6-12, 8-30, 8-24, 8-12, 10-30, 10-20, 15-30 weeks, or longer.

In some embodiments, a topical pharmaceutical composition as disclosed herein is administered to a subject in need thereof for a period of treatment longer than 2 weeks, longer than 3 weeks, longer than 4 weeks, longer than 1 month, longer than 2 months, longer than 3 months, longer than 4 months, longer than 5 months, longer than 6 months, or until clearance of the skin disorder or condition (e.g., acne, psoriasis, dermatitis, rash, etc.) is achieved. In some embodiments, a topical pharmaceutical composition as disclosed herein is administered to a subject in need thereof for a period of treatment up to 2 weeks, up to 3 weeks, up to 4 weeks, up to 1 month, up to 2 months, up to 3 months, up to 4 months, up to 5 months, or up to 6 months. In some embodiments, a topical pharmaceutical composition as disclosed herein until clearance of the skin disorder or condition (e.g., acne, psoriasis, dermatitis, rash, etc.) is achieved. In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition is applied to the affected area or areas of skin one, two, or three times a day. In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition is applied to the affected area or areas of skin once daily. In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition is applied to the affected area or areas of skin twice daily. In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition is applied to the affected area or areas of skin up to two, three, or four times a day.

In some embodiments, the topical pharmaceutical composition comprising a retinoid (e.g., tretinoin) is administered topically once daily or twice daily, e.g., for the treatment of a skin condition or disorder such as acne, e.g., acne vulgaris. In some embodiments, a topical pharmaceutical composition comprising a retinoid (e.g., tretinoin) is administered once daily or twice daily (e.g., in the morning and/or evening) to afflicted areas of the skin, e.g., to areas of the skin where lesions occur. In some embodiments, a topical pharmaceutical composition comprising a retinoid (e.g., tretinoin) is administered three or four times daily (e.g., in the morning and/or evening) to afflicted areas of the skin, e.g., to areas of the skin where lesions occur.

In some embodiments, a topical pharmaceutical composition as disclosed herein (e.g., a composition comprising a corticosteroid, an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory agent, or a retinoid) is administered to a subject in need thereof in two or more treatment periods, in which the treatment periods are separated by a period of time in which the topical pharmaceutical composition is not administered. For example, in some embodiments, a first treatment period is administered for a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 days or longer, e.g., least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 weeks or longer, then treatment is stopped for at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 days or longer (e.g., for at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 weeks or longer) before the second treatment period (e.g., a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 days or longer, e.g., least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 weeks or longer) is administered.

In some embodiments, a topical pharmaceutical composition as disclosed herein (e.g., a composition comprising a corticosteroid, an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory agent, or a retinoid) is administered in combination with one or more other therapies for the skin disorder or condition. As a non-limiting example, in some embodiments, a topical pharmaceutical composition comprising retinoid (e.g., tretinoin) as disclosed herein is administered in combination with one or more other therapies for the treatment of acne, such as an antibiotic (e.g., clindamycin, erythromycin, natamycin, neomycin, mupirocin, fusidic acid, minocycline, dapsone), an anti-inflammatory agent (e.g., metronidazole), or a composition comprising benzoyl peroxide.

In some embodiments, a topical pharmaceutical composition as disclosed herein is administered to an adult subject. In some embodiments, a topical pharmaceutical composition as disclosed herein is administered to a juvenile subject.

V. Kits

In another aspect, kits for the treatment of a skin condition or disorder are provided. In some embodiments, the kit comprises a topical pharmaceutical composition (e.g., a composition comprising a corticosteroid, an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory agent, or a retinoid) as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the kit comprises a topical pharmaceutical composition comprising a retinoid. In some embodiments, the kit comprises a topical pharmaceutical composition comprising tretinoin (e.g., in an amount of about 0.05% by weight of the composition).

In some embodiments, the kit is for use in the treatment of a skin condition or disorder that is acne (e.g., acne vulgaris); psoriasis (e.g., plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis, nail psoriasis, or psoriatic arthritis); dermatitis such as atopic, contact, or hand dermatitis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, rash, or poison ivy dermatitis; rosacea; or skin lesions. In some embodiments, the kit is for use in the treatment of acne, e.g., acne vulgaris.

In some embodiments, the kit is for cosmetic use, e.g., for reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, fine wrinkling, blotches, hyperpigmentation, skin roughness, or for the improvement of skin tone.

In some embodiments, the kit further comprises a product insert and/or instructions for administering the topical pharmaceutical composition, e.g., according to the methods disclosed herein. While instructional materials typically comprise written or printed materials, they are not limited to such. Any medium capable of storing such instructions and communicating them to an end user is contemplated by this disclosure. Such media include, but are not limited to, electronic storage media (e.g., magnetic discs, tapes, cartridges, chips, USB drives, and SD cards), optical media (e.g., CD-ROM and DVDs) and the like. Such media may include addresses to internet sites that provide such instructional materials.

In some embodiments, the kit further comprises one or more other agents for use in the treatment of the skin disorder or condition. The topical pharmaceutical composition and the one or more other agents can be administered concurrently or sequentially.

VI. Vehicles for Topical Compositions

In another aspect, a vehicle is provided for use as a vehicle in making topical compositions. The vehicle comprises an oil-in-water emulsion and comprises: (a) a polymer having hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups, the polymer being selected from the group consisting of polymeric viscosity-increasing agents in an amount of about 0.1-2% by weight of the vehicle, polymeric emulsifiers in an amount of about 0.01-0.2% (e.g., from about 0.01% to about 0.099%, or from about 0.1% to about 0.095, or from about 0.01% to about 0.09%) by weight of the vehicle, and combinations thereof; (b) an oil component in an amount of 20%, or less (such as 0.5-20%), by weight of the vehicle; and (c) water. Other amounts of these ingredients as disclosed herein above are also suitable.

In another aspect, the ratio of the amount of oil component to the total amount of viscosity agents and polymeric emulsifiers can be in the range from about 1.5:1 to about 20:1, or from about 1.5:1 to about 10:1, or from about 1.5:1 to about 5:1, or from about 3:1 to about 20:1, or from about 3:1 to about 10:1, or from about 5:1 to about 20:1, or from about 5:1 to about 10:1. Other ratios as disclosed herein above are also suitable.

In another aspect, the oil component is a liquid oil.

In still another aspect, the oil-in-water emulsion is stable for up to 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, one day, two days, 3 days, one week, two weeks, three weeks, or four weeks.

VII. Examples

The following examples are offered to illustrate, but not to limit, the claimed invention.

Example 1. Exemplary Tretinoin Lotion

This example provides the composition of an exemplary tretinoin pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure that is formulated as a lotion, in comparison to the composition of a commercially available tretinoin gel composition (ATRALIN® (tretinoin) gel, 0.05%).

TABLE 1 Composition of tretinoin lotion and ATRALIN ® gel Tretinoin ATRALIN ® Ingredient Function lotion (%) gel (%) Tretinoin Anti-acne 0.05 0.05 Glycerin Humectant 9.63 9.63 Soluble collagen Moisturizing agent 8.00 8.00 Carbopol ® 980 Viscosity increasing — 0.90 agent Carbomer homopol- Viscosity increasing 0.70 — ymer type A agent (Carbopol ® 981) Carbomer copol- Emulsifier 0.05 — ymer type B (Pemulen ® TR-1) Octoxynol -9 Wetting agent 0.12 0.12 Sodium hyaluronate Moisturizing agent 0.011 0.011 Methyl paraben Antimicrobial 0.20 0.20 preservative Butylated Anti-oxidant 0.21 0.21 Hydroxytoluene Benzyl alcohol Antimicrobial 0.50 0.50 preservative Propyl paraben Antimicrobial — 0.03 preservative Mineral oil Emollient 2.00 — Trolamine Neutralizing agent pH 5.0-6.0 pH 5.0-6.0 Water Carrier qs 100 qs 100

Example 2. Exemplary Tretinoin Composition

This example provides an exemplary manufacturing process for making a tretinoin pharmaceutical lotion composition as disclosed in Table 1.

A polymeric phase is made. In a suitable manufacturing vessel, purified water, Carbomer homopolymer type A (Carbopol 981), and Carbomer copolymer type B (Pemulen TR-1) are added and mixed until the contents are dispersed. Next, mineral oil is added and mixed.

Next, a moisturizing agent is prepared. In a separate suitable vessel, sodium hyaluronate and purified water are added and mixed until the sodium hyaluronate is dissolved. The contents of the vessel containing the sodium hyaluronate is added to the polymeric phase and the contents are mixed.

Next, a preservative phase is prepared. In a separate suitable vessel, glycerin is added and mixed while heating. Next, methylparaben and benzyl alcohol are added to the vessel and the contents are mixed until dissolved. The preservative phase is added to the vessel containing the polymeric phase, rinsed with glycerin, and mixed.

Next, an active phase is prepared. In a separate suitable vessel, purified water and glycerin are added, mixed, and blanketed with nitrogen. Next, under yellow lighting, butylated hydroxytoluene, octoxynol 9, and tretinoin are added to the vessel. The contents are mixed and then milled with recirculation. Under yellow lighting, the contents of the vessel containing the active phase are transferred to the vessel containing the polymeric phase, rinsed with purified water, and mixed. Next, under yellow lighting, soluble collagen is added to the vessel containing the polymeric phase and mixed.

Next, a neutralizing agent is prepared. In a separate suitable vessel, trolamine and purified water are added and mixed to form a solution having a pH of 5.0-6.0.

Next, under yellow lighting, the contents of the vessel containing the polymeric phase are transferred to a new vessel, rinsed with purified water, agitated, and recirculated under nitrogen. The pH of the composition is determined and the pH is adjusted with the neutralizing agent as necessary. The contents of the vessel are then transferred to a bulk storage container for filling secondary packaging.

Viscosity is determined in accordance with the current USP general chapter for viscosity determination. The test conditions include a temperature of 23°±2° C., spindle 27, and a speed of 12 rpm. Typical viscosity of compositions of the present invention are in the range of about 9000 to about 11000 cP. Depending on the amounts of various components, viscosity values can range from about 2500 cP to about 18000 cP.

Example 3. Improved Properties of Topical Pharmaceutical Compositions Comprising Tretinoin

This example provides clinical data demonstrating the surprisingly superior properties of a tretinoin lotion formulated according to the present disclosure. A tretinoin lotion formulated as disclosed in Table 1 above was tested in comparison to a vehicle lotion and in comparison to a commercially available tretinoin gel, ATRALIN® (0.05% tretinoin). As described herein, the tretinoin lotion demonstrated an unexpectedly improved local tolerability (i.e., low irritation) profile as compared to ATRALIN® gel.

Clinical Studies

The safety and efficacy of once daily use of tretinoin lotion for the treatment of acne vulgaris were assessed in two prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind clinical trials in subjects 9 years and older with moderate to severe acne vulgaris. The trials compared 12 weeks of treatment with tretinoin lotion to the vehicle lotion. ATRALIN® gel and ATRALIN® gel vehicle were evaluated clinically in separate studies from the tretinoin lotion. The co-primary efficacy endpoints of absolute change in non-inflammatory lesion count, absolute change in inflammatory lesion count, and “treatment success” were assessed at Week 12. Treatment success was defined as at least a 2-grade improvement from Baseline in the Evaluators Global Severity Score (EGSS) score and an EGSS score equating to “clear” or “almost clear.” Table 2 sets forth the EGSS scale that is used to assess the severity of the disease state. Table 3 lists the efficacy results for trials 1 and 2.

TABLE 2 Evaluator's Global Severity Score (EGSS) Score Grade Description 0 Clear Normal, clear skin with no evidence of acne 1 Almost Clear Rare noninflammatory lesions present, with rare noninflamed papules (papules must be resolving and may be hyperpigmented, though not pink-red) 2 Mild Some noninflammatory lesions are present, with few inflammatory lesions (papules/pustules only; no nodulocystic lesions) 3 Moderate Noninflammatory lesions predominate, with multiple inflammatory lesions evident: several to many comedones and papules/pustules, and there may or may not be 1 nodulocystic lesion 4 Severe Inflammatory lesions are more apparent, many comedones and papules/pustules, there may or may not be up to 2 nodulocystic lesions

TABLE 3 Results of Phase 3 Trials in Subjects with Acne Vulgaris at Week 12 Tretinoin Tretinoin Lotion ATRALIN ® ATRALIN ® Lotion Vehicle Gel Gel Vehicle Trial 1 Evaluators Global Severity Score (EGSS) Clear or Almost Clear and 2-Grade 16.5% 6.9% 21% 12% Reduction from Baseline Non-Inflammatory Facial Lesions Mean Absolute Reduction 17.8 10.6 21.8 10.3 Mean Percent Reduction 47.5% 27.3% 43% 21% Inflammatory Facial Lesions Mean Absolute Reduction 13.1 10.2  9.7  5.8 Mean Percent Reduction 50.9% 40.4% 41% 26% Trial 2 EGSS Clear or Almost Clear and 2-Grade 19.8% 12.5% 23% 14% Reduction from Baseline Non-Inflammatory Facial Lesions Mean Absolute Reduction 21.9 13.9 18.7 10.8 Mean Percent Reduction 45.6% 31.9% 37% 20% Inflammatory Facial Lesions Mean Absolute Reduction 13.9 10.7  7.0  4.0 Mean Percent Reduction 53.4% 41.5% 30% 17% Improvement in Local Tolerability

Increases in signs and symptoms of local tolerability with use of a retinoid in the instant invention is an unexpected outcome. As detailed below, it has been surprisingly found that formulating tretinoin as a lotion according to the methods disclosed herein resulted in a marked improvement in the tolerability profile of the tretinoin, as compared to the tolerability profile of tretinoin formulated as a gel.

Table 4 below summarizes the treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) reported in each of the programs using data from pivotal phase 3 clinical studies as described above. The preferred terms are coded to the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) current at the time of each study.

TABLE 4 Comparison of Treatment Emergent Adverse Events from Tretinoin Lotion and ATRALIN ® Gel Clinical Studies TEASs by MedDRA Overall Summary for AE's SOC and PT (Safety Population) (Safety Subjects) Tretinoin Tretinoin Atralin Gel System Organ Class (SOC) and Lotion Vehicle Lotion Atralin Gel Vehicle Preferred Term (PT) (N = 767) (N = 783) MedDRA (SOC) (N = 674) (N = 487) General disorders and 78 (10.2%) 29 (3.7%) Skin and subcutaneous 208 (31%) 25 (5%) administration site conditions tissue disorders Application site dryness 29 (3.8%) 1 (0.1%) Dry Skin 109 (16%) 8 (2%) Application site pain 25 (3.3%) 3 (0.4%) Pain of Skin 7 (1%) 0 Application site erythema 12 (1.6%) 1 (0.1%) Erythema 47 (7%) 1 (<1%) Application site pruritus 7 (0.9%) 4 (0.5%) Pruritus + Pruritus generalized 12 (2%) 3 (1%) Application site irritation 7 (0.9%) 1 (0.1%) Skin irritation 3 (<1%) 0 Application site exfoliation 6 (0.8%) 3 (0.4%) Skin exfoliation + skin desquamation 28 (4%) 2 (<1%) Application site dermatitis 3 (0.4%) 1 (0.1%) Dermatitis + D. exfolative + 39 (6%) 4 (1%) D. seborrheic Application site rash 3 (0.4%) 0 Application site swelling 2 (0.3%) 0 Face edema + skin swelling 2 (<1%) 0 Application site ulcer 2 (0.3%) 0 Ulcer 0 0 Application site burn 1 (0.1%) 0 Skin burning sensation 53 (8%) 8 (2%) Application site discoloration 1 (0.1%) 0 Skin hypopigmentation 1 (<1%) 0 Application site acne 0 2 (0.3%) Application site urticarial 0 1 (0.1%) Urticaria 1 (<1%) 0 Skin and subcutaneous tissue 5 (0.7%) 6 (0.8%) disorders Dermatitis contact 2 (0.3%) 1 (0.1%) Dermatitis contact 6 (1%) 1 (1%) Eczema 1 (0.1%) 1 (0.1%) Eczema + Ecz nummular + Ecz weeping 0 1 (<1%) Pityriasis rosea 1 (0.1%) 0 Pityriasis rosacea 1 (<1%) 0 Acne 0 1 (0.1%) Acne 3 (<1%) 1 (<1%) Rash 0 1 (0.1%) Rash + Rash generalized + Rash macular + 21 (3%) 1 (<1%) Rash pruritic + Rash scaly

As shown in Table 4, tretinoin lotion demonstrated superior tolerability over ATRALIN® gel for several key signs and symptoms of local irritation listed below. Note that the comparisons are presented as reported percentages of adverse events (“AEs”) for tretinoin lotion vs. ATRALIN® gel.

-   -   Dry skin (3.8% vs. 16%)     -   Burning (0.1% vs. 8%)     -   Erythema (1.6% vs. 7%)     -   Exfoliation (0.8% vs. 4%)

Review of data from literature revealed another surprising finding. Counter to traditional teachings, the addition of moisturizing and emolliency-imparting ingredients like mineral oil or medium chain triglycerides in a topical pharmaceutical composition does not inherently translate into an improved tolerability profile. For example, data obtained from clinical testing of a commercially available tazarotene gel and a commercially available tazarotene cream show that incidences of dry skin, erythema and desquamation (exfoliation) increased in the cream formulation of 0.1% tazarotene relative to a gel formulation of 0.1% tazarotene. The qualitative compositions of a commercially available tazarotene gel and cream are shown in Table 5 below.

TABLE 5 Qualitative Compostion of Tazarotene Gel and Cream Tazarotene Gel, 0.1% Tazarotene Cream, 0.1% tazarotene 0.1% (w/w) tazarotene 0.1% (w/w) ascorbic acid benzyl alcohol benzyl alcohol carbomer 1342 butylated hydroxyanisole carbomer homopolymer Type B butylated hydroxytoluene edetate disodium carbomer homopolymer Type B medium chain triglycerides edetate disodium mineral oil hexylene glycol purified water poloxamer 407 sodium hydroxide polyethylene glycol 400 sodium thiosulfate polysorbate 40 sorbitan monooleate purified water tromethamine Source: Product inserts for TAZORAC ® Gel and Cream, Allergan (Irvine, CA)

Table 6 below shows a comparison of key adverse events associated with local tolerability for the two retinoid molecules (tretinoin (“Tret”) and tazarotene (“Taz”)), each formulated in a gel base and in a lotion or a cream base with emollients.

TABLE 6 Comparison of Key Local Tolerability Adverse Events Taz Tret Tret Atralin Atralin Taz cream Taz Taz gel lotion vehicle gel vehicle cream vehicle gel vehicle % of subjects reporting 3.8 0.1 16 2 26.9 2.6 19.7 4.7 application site dryness/dry skin % of subjects reporting 1.6 0.1 7 0.2 20.8 2.1 17.7 0 erythema % of subjects reporting skin 0.8 0.4 4 0.4 29.2 2.8 28.1 2 exfoliation/desquamation % of subjects reporting 0.1 0 8 2 14.2 0.7 24.7 2.7 burning/stinging Sources for data: Tretinoin (“Tret”) lotion, Tret vehicle, Atralin gel, and Atralin vehicle - Table 4 Tazarotene (“Taz”) cream and Taz cream vehicle - FDA Summary Basis of Approval for NDA 21-184, Medical Review Taz gel and Taz gel vehicle - FDA Summary Basis of Approval for NDA 20-600, Medical Review

As shown in Table 6, tretinoin that was formulated as a lotion according to the disclosure of Example 1 resulted in significantly fewer incidences of dry skin, erythema, desquamation, and burning/stinging as compared to ATRALIN® gel having the same amount of active agent. In contrast, formulating another retinoid, tazarotene, as a cream comprising mineral oil did not result in fewer incidences of dry skin, erythema, or desquamation as compared to the gel formulation of tazarotene.

It is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application and scope of the appended claims.

All publications, patents, patent applications, or other documents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, patent application, or other document was individually indicated to be incorporated by reference for all purposes. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for treating acne vulgaris in a subject, the method comprising applying once daily to an affected area of skin of the subject a topical pharmaceutical composition comprising: tretinoin an active agent in an amount from 0.01% to 1% by weight of the composition; a polymeric emulsifier, wherein the polymeric emulsifier comprises a cross-linked copolymer of acrylic acid and C10-C30 alkyl acrylate, and wherein the polymeric emulsifier is present in an amount from 0.02% to 0.08% by weight of the composition; a viscosity increasing agent, wherein the viscosity increasing agent comprises a cross-linked homopolymer of an acrylic acid, and wherein the viscosity increasing agent is present in an amount from 0.1% to 2% by weight of the composition; a moisturizing agent, wherein the moisturizing agent comprises soluble collagen and sodium hyaluronate, and wherein the moisturizing agent is present in an amount from 5% to 10% by weight of the composition; an oil component comprising one or more oils, wherein the oil component is present in an amount from 1% to 3.5% by weight of the composition; and water; and wherein the composition is formulated as a lotion.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises the tretinoin in an amount of 0.05% by weight of the composition.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the polymeric emulsifier is a carbomer copolymer type B.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the oil component comprises mineral oil, light mineral oil, petrolatum, fatty alcohols, monocarboxylic acid esters, dicarboxylic acid esters, medium-chain triglycerides, long-chain triglycerides, or a combination thereof.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the oil component comprises mineral oil, light mineral oil, petrolatum, or a combination thereof.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the oil component consists of mineral oil.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the viscosity increasing agent is a carbomer homopolymer type A.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the viscosity increasing agent is present in an amount from 0.4% to 1% by weight of the composition.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the viscosity increasing agent is present in an amount from 0.6% to 1% by weight of the composition.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition has a viscosity from 2,500 cP to 18,000 cP.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the composition has a viscosity from 8,000 cP to 12,000 cP.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the composition further comprises one or more preservatives, antioxidants, and/or humectants.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the composition further comprises a neutralizing agent that maintains the pH of the composition at a pH from 5 to
 6. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises: the tretinoin in an amount of 0.05% by weight of the composition; the polymeric emulsifier in an amount of 0.05% by weight of the composition, wherein the polymeric emulsifier is a carbomer copolymer type B; the viscosity increasing agent in an amount from 0.6% to 1% by weight of the composition; wherein the viscosity increasing agent is carbomer homopolymer type A; the oil component in an amount up to 3% by weight of the composition, wherein the oil component consists of mineral oil; the moisturizing agent in an amount from 5% to 10% by weight of the composition; a humectant in an amount from 5% to 20% by weight of the composition, wherein the humectant is glycerin; an antioxidant in an amount from 0.1% to 2% by weight of the composition, wherein the antioxidant is butylated hydroxytoluene; a wetting agent in an amount from 0.05% to 0.5% by weight of the composition, wherein the wetting agent is octoxynol-9; optionally, one or more preservatives in an amount from 0.25% to 5% by weight of the composition, wherein the one or more preservatives are benzyl alcohol, methyl paraben, or a combination thereof; and optionally, a neutralizing agent, wherein the neutralizing agent is trolamine. 